For nights in when you need comfort food
Hi blogging family,
I think the world could use a little soul food right now. I know I do. The first thing that came to mind for tonight’s dinner was my Mac N’ “Cheese” recipe.
When it comes to mac n’ cheese, I have a feeling it’s on everyone’s go-to list for childhood favorite. I added a little “bacon” – gasp. I never thought I’d say that. Recently, I discovered that the same bacon pieces that my paternal grandma used on our salads were actually little soy bits. Way to go grandma! So I had to add it to mac n’ “cheese.”
Comforting Vegan Mac and Cheese
Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
¾ cup peeled and diced russet potato
¾ cup peeled and diced sweet potato
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup raw cashews
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
½ teaspoon onion powder
a pinch of turmeric
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)
¼ cup water
12 ounces of your choice of dried pasta
McCormick Bacn Pieces or Betty Crocker Bac-O Chips (optional)
Chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Directions:
1. Four the sauce, boil diced potatoes starting with water at a cold temperature. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until tender. Approximately 8 to 12 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and transfer to a food processor (or high speed blender if you have it) with the garlic, cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, turmeric, onion powder, salt, olive oil, and water. Blend until smooth and set aside.
4. Prepare your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
5. Drain and transfer the pasta back to the pot. Stir in your “cheese sauce”, adding a little pasta water to thin the sauce. Season with a little salt and white pepper if desired.
6. Serve with side of “Bacn” Pieces or Bac-O Chips and freshly chopped parsley. *I like to stir in some steamed broccoli as well.
Stay home, stay healthy, and enjoy!
Ellie Bleu 